The Robin Cancer Trust is inviting people across Essex to pull on their brightest pants and take part in its much-loved Pants to Cancer Walk, returning to Clacton-on-Sea on Sunday 20th September 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the charity event encourages participants to wear their underwear over their clothes while proudly shouting “Pants to Cancer!” as they walk together to raise vital awareness and funds for people affected by testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers.
The family-friendly event follows a 7-mile route from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier, with the option to complete the full 14-mile round trip for those looking for an extra challenge. Participants are encouraged to wear colourful pants, knickers, boxers or even bloomers over their outfits, creating a fun and eye-catching spectacle along the Essex seafront.
Entry costs £12 for adults and £6 for under-18s, with every participant receiving a medal. The walk is suitable for wheelchair users and well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome.
Toby Freeman, Founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so excited to bring the Pants to Cancer walk back for its sixth year. Last year’s event welcomed more than 100 participants, making it our biggest walk yet, and it was fantastic to see so many people getting
behind our mission in such a fun and memorable way.”
“Whether you’re walking in superhero pants, colourful boxers or giant novelty bloomers, every step helps us raise awareness of cancers that are often diagnosed too late. We can’t wait to see more people joining us this September to help save lives.”
This year’s walk is being sponsored by East Coast 5 and the Daniel Connal Partnership, but the charity is currently inviting more local businesses to sponsor the event or attend with their staff.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise, with every pound helping The Robin Cancer Trust continue its life-saving work through awareness campaigns, educational talks in schools, colleges and workplaces, and support services for people and families affected by testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers. A £10 donation helps the charity reach thousands of young people through its digital awareness campaigns, £25 provides a Thriver Support Pack to someone recently diagnosed and £50 enables the charity to deliver a life-saving cancer awareness talk.
Mind in West Essex have added several new dates for their online Suicide Awareness workshops. The sessions are free for anyone who lives in Harlow, Uttlesford or Epping Forest (or £30 for people outside of West Essex).
This 2.5-hour workshop aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to have supportive conversations with people who are feeling suicidal, so they can access the help they need.
It covers everything from the law, language, statistics and stigma around suicide to risk factors, possible warning signs, having supportive conversations and available support and resources.
This Carers Week, let’s recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution unpaid carers make every day across Essex and the UK.
Carers Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of caring, recognising the challenges unpaid carers face, and helping people access the support, services, and community connections available to them.
The Essex Map is a free community directory designed to help people find local support services, wellbeing activities, advice organisations, community groups, and carers’ support across Essex.
Whether you’re:
💙 An unpaid carer looking for support or local services ☕ Searching for community groups, advice sessions, or wellbeing activities 🤝 Wanting to connect with others who understand caring responsibilities 📍 Looking for local organisations offering support for carers and families 🏡 Or part of a service supporting carers in your community
…the Essex Map can help people find the support they need.
Are you an organisation supporting carers?
From advice services and respite support to wellbeing groups, community activities, and information sessions — you can add your service or organisation to the map for free and help carers across Essex connect with local support.
This World Environment Day, let’s celebrate the people, groups, and organisations across Essex who are helping to protect the environment, support greener communities, and encourage sustainable living.
The Essex Map is a free community directory that helps people discover local services, activities, charities, and support groups — including environmental projects, community gardens, recycling initiatives, outdoor wellbeing groups, conservation organisations, and sustainability-focused activities across Essex.
Whether you’re:
🌿 Looking for local environmental groups or volunteering opportunities ♻️ Wanting to get involved in sustainability projects 🌎 Searching for community gardening or conservation activities 🤝 Hoping to connect with like-minded people in your area 🏡 Or part of an organisation supporting environmental wellbeing and greener living
…the Essex Map can help you find and share local opportunities.
Are you an organisation supporting environmental or community sustainability projects?
Add your service, group, or activity to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover ways to get involved this World Environment Day and beyond.
Volunteers make an incredible difference to communities across Essex every day. Whether you’re looking to give back, develop new skills, meet people, or support a cause you care about, there’s a volunteering opportunity waiting for you.
Looking to volunteer?
Visit The Essex Map at www.essexmap.co.uk to discover local volunteering opportunities and find a role that suits your interests, availability, and skills.
Recruiting volunteers?
If you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or voluntary organisation, make sure your opportunities are listed on Essex MAP so that potential volunteers can find you.
Need extra help finding volunteers?
Members can also submit volunteer requests to the Essex Alliance weekly newsletter, reaching organisations, partners, and individuals across the county. Simply email communications@essexalliance.org.uk with details of your opportunity.
This Volunteers’ Week, let’s celebrate the people who give their time to strengthen our communities and encourage even more Essex residents to get involved.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
June is Great Outdoors Month — the perfect time to get outside, get active, and discover the amazing outdoor spaces, activities, and community groups across Essex.
The Essex Map helps people find local opportunities to improve wellbeing, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. From walking groups and community gardens to outdoor fitness, family activities, nature projects, and wellbeing services, the map makes it easier to discover what’s happening near you.
Whether you’re:
🚶 Looking for local walking or cycling groups 🌳 Searching for outdoor wellbeing activities 🌼 Wanting to connect with nature and your community 👨👩👧 Looking for family-friendly outdoor activities 🤝 Or part of an organisation offering outdoor services or events
…the Essex Map can help you connect with local opportunities.
Do you run an outdoor group, activity, or community service?
Add your organisation or event to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover ways to enjoy the outdoors and support their wellbeing.
This Pride Month, let’s celebrate visibility, connection, and community by highlighting the amazing LGBTQ+ organisations, support groups, and inclusive services across Essex.
The Essex Map is a free community directory designed to help people find local support, activities, wellbeing services, charities, and community groups all in one place. It includes dedicated LGBTQ+ listings featuring organisations such as The OutHouse, Basildon Pride, MindOut, LGBTQ+ youth groups, and more.
Whether you’re:
🏳️🌈 Looking for support 🏳️⚧️ Searching for inclusive local services 💬 Wanting to connect with community groups 🤝 Or promoting an organisation that supports LGBTQ+ people
…the Essex Map is here to help.
Are you an organisation supporting the LGBTQ+ community?
You can add your service or group to the map for free, helping more people across Essex discover the support, spaces, and communities available to them.
A series of monthly Recovery from Addiction workshops are being delivered by experts in their fields. These are intended to educate and inform both service users, professionals, and anyone who has an interest in these topics. Sessions will include time for Q&As.
The topic for this month’s workshop is Chemsex – A Growing Epidemic and How to Stay Safe. This session focuses on chemsex, offering clear, non-judgemental information alongside space for open and respectful discussion.
Delivered by Amy Brown, Health Promotion Specialist at Essex Sexual Health Service, the workshop will cover:
What chemsex is and why it happens
Risks to physical and mental health
Harm reduction and support options
These sessions are open to anyone with an interest in recovery and wellbeing, including people in recovery, professionals and members of the wider community.
No prior knowledge needed. Just come along and take part in a supportive, welcoming space.
This is a drop-in session and part of the Rainbow Recovery workshop series. You’re welcome to attend one or join multiple sessions.
Chelmsford City Racecourse are delighted to offer two community events in May.
Walk & Talk – Thursday 14th May
Fancy a walk and a natter? Then join us for a Walk & Talk event on Thursday 14th May at 9:45am.
Enjoy a gentle walk (short and long routes available), then hang around afterwards for refreshments and an optional wellbeing talk.
No need to book, just come along!
Meet at our main car park off the northbound carriageway of the A131 (CM3 1QP).
Free parking and tea & coffee. Dogs are welcome.
For more information, please contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Dementia ‘Time for a Cuppa’ Event – Wednesday 20th May
We are supporting local residents living with dementia. By the time we have boiled the kettle, another person will have developed dementia, with over 944,000 people in the UK affected.
We are inviting local residents who are living with dementia to join us for a cuppa and cake.
Join us in a safe space with Dementia UK on hand for support, a cuppa, cake, fun activities and a meet and greet with Manny, our ex-racehorse ambassador.
When? Wednesday 20th May
Where? Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, CM3 1PZ
What Time? 2:00pm-4:00pm
How Much? £5 per head, booking is essential
For more information, contact info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Through the generosity of The Prudence Trust and The Stone Family Foundation, Renew is now offering freeParent Support Sessions.
These groups are for parents, carers and professionals supporting young people with issues around negative body image, disordered eating or low self-esteem. We aim to help build confidence and equip them to support their child through these challenges.
Our sessions will provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and gain support and practical strategies from trained professionals.
You can attend these on an adhoc basis or more regularly to suit your needs. You do not need to have an existing relationship with Renew to access these sessions.
When?Every Wednesday
Where?Either in person at Chelmsford Counselling Centre or online
What time?In person at 10:00am until 11:30am, or Online at 6:00pm – 7:00pm
